Somali National Army Commander Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud has visited troops stationed outside the coastal town of Barawe in Lower Shabelle, where he met units tasked with maintaining security following the departure of African Union forces.
The visit on November 5, 2026, brought together members of the 8th Brigade of the 60th Division and the 21st Gorgor Commando Brigade of the 1st Division.
According to a statement from the army command, the military chief addressed the soldiers, offering guidance and encouragement as they assume responsibility for protecting the strategic town.
During his address, Mohamud stressed the importance of vigilance, courage, unity and commitment to safeguarding Somalia and its population.
He urged the troops to maintain a high state of readiness, carry out their national duties diligently and seize opportunities to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities.
The army commander also called on the soldiers to demonstrate professionalism and patriotism, saying sustained efforts were necessary to help achieve a peaceful Somalia free from the militant group.
The handover is part of wider changes to the African Union mission’s deployment in Lower Shabelle.
An Associated Press report published on November 3 said AUSSOM planned to redeploy troops from the Barawe sector to four bases being vacated by Uganda’s bilateral contingent: Sabiid-Anole, Bariire, Awdheegle and Bulonagad.
The report said it remained unclear which forces would take over the positions left behind in Barawe.
Somalia’s National Security Adviser, Ambassador Aweys Haji Yusuf Ahmed, has also stressed that the withdrawal of Ugandan troops serving under the bilateral agreement should not be interpreted as the departure of all Ugandan forces.
Uganda’s contingent serving under AUSSOM remains in the country, alongside other African Union forces and the Somali National Army.
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Barawe’s strategic importance makes the transition particularly significant. The coastal town was recaptured from Al-Shabaab by Somali and African Union forces in 2014 and had served as an important military and logistical location.
Maintaining security there will require clear arrangements for troop deployment, logistics and coordination between Somali authorities and international partners.